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Online Debate May Be Preview for Tuesday Night at City Hall

Mon, 09/17/2012 - 08:44RCN Newsdesk

An online debate gained intensity Sunday night at The River City News Facebook page. The debate (which can be viewed by clicking here) centered around an RCN article previewing Tuesday night's City Commission meeting in which possible cuts to the fire department and elsewhere within City Hall are to be presented and then voted upon (SEE: City Hall, Fire Department Reorganization to Be Presented Tuesday). City Commissioner Steve Frank weighed in on the lengthy thread Sunday night in an attempt to counter criticism from some Covington firefighters and others. "Have your fun, (but) 5 to zero against you. You lose assholes," Frank wrote.
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The Commissioner continued, "If (Department of Public Improvements) had helped with the city's need to save money it doesn't have I would have some sympathy. That they have obstructed every reasonable request for help when the city is staring bankruptcy in the face tells me that the only language they understand is when we rake them over the coals. Vote against me if you want, I'll take the side of the taxpayers everyday and I'll win more votes for commission that their flacks like Chip Terry or the_Mildred." Chip Terry is a recently retired firefighter who is running as a write-in candidate for city commission while "the_Mildred" is likely a reference to former City Commissioner Mildred Rains who is on the ballot in November in an attempt to return to the commission. "I'll probably win more than both of them combined," Frank continued.
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The union representing Covington firefighters posted to its Facebook page, "Attention citizens of Covington!! A current commissioner who is up for re-election is again exhibiting inappropriate behavior via social media, name calling and using profane language toward public employees and their supporters. He has also made derogatory comments about two candidates for commission, calling them "flacks." Is this who you want representing the City of Covington????"
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Commissioner Frank finished by writing, "As much as (I) honor the work of our police I did not go to their cross examination of Commission candidates, not because I oppose the police but because to be beholden to any group of employees is wrong. My boss is the the people of Covington, not those we have hired to do their work. In fact, let me put it this way, anybody the workers endorse ought to be rejected by those who pay the bills." The Covington Police union endorsed Rains, Terry, and Chuck Eilerman for the city commission as well as City Commissioner Steve Casper for mayor.
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"The people will rule," Frank wrote. "Just let the election speak. I'm not afraid of facing the voters."
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PHOTO: Steve Frank talks to voters/RCN File

Comments

It is sad that we as a city have come to this. As I said when I first announced I was entering the race, my first priority is to make Covington a “Shining Light” in the region; a great place where people want to work, live and play. I also made it clear that I want to bring all stakeholders together; residents, employees, business owners, and visitors. Everyone should have a say in the direction of this city. As an employee and a leader within the fire department, my message, in word and action, to those with whom I served, was to focus on their main purpose… serving the citizens of Covington. I have not, and if elected, will not act in any manner that does not protect the interest of the taxpayer. However, I also understand that as an employer, the City has an obligation treat employees in a fair and respectful manner. Additionally, I will never use derisive language or show disrespect to anyone with whom I work or interact. I am and always will be a dedicated public servant, who displays collaborative leadership and impartiality in such service. It is time for all sides to start acting responsibly and collaboratively and come together to resolve the many issues confronting us. It is time for responsible, respectful, competent and effective leadership.

While "the Frank" may get his kicks being an arrogant jerk, he fails to recognize that firefighters, police officers, and all public employees provide necessary and vital functions that benefit the very taxpayers he claims he represents. You start taking away essential functions of a city and community, you will begin to see a community that falls apart. That's not representing taxpayers......

Im not horribly familiar with the issues involved here, but one thing is pretty clear - no elected official deserves to be re-elected for talking to constituents in the manner that "The Frank" did. It doesn't solve problems, and in fact only serves to inflame the matter even more.

As the Frank says - let the election speak. Throw that clown out of office!

It is amazing that an elected official has such a lack of respect for his voters and emergency personnell to call them "assholes" or the c word as he has in the past.

You're an arrogant p.o.s, Mr. Frank. Regardless of your stance, you, as a public official, are supposed to maintain composure and have the integrity to argue your point without name calling or using degradation. You're using political terrorism.

I, as a citizen of Covington, will not vote for you. I believe the firemen's union and fop have enough people and friends to make sure you don't get re-elected. You've dug a hole, sir. I pray you don't need emergency services sent to the Ascent for alcohol poisoning or douchebagitis.

The good men in Covington emergency services may have to stop at every red light..

Anybody but DUI ,drunk Facebooking, "I feel like going Taliban" on Occupy protesters Frank for Commission. He is a embarrassment to the city, a 1% wannabe who lives in the Ascent. Anyone who refers to his constituents as A**holes is one. NO WAY represents the citizens of Covington. A classic example of why the Republican party is imploding. If the other people who are running for commission had a clue they would mount a kick out Frank campaign.

I find the concern over Steven L Frank 's conduct to be at best disingenuous and at worst merely political opposition. The hole we were put in by previous commissions who tried to keep everyone happy is a hole which is Tens of Millions of dollars deep. Despite the seriousness of our fiscal problems people are still showing up at city hall expecting...even demanding a larger share of the public's pocketbook. Thirty years of habitual dipping the public well requires a strong wake up call to break. This current commission and Steve's no prisoners attitude on the finances are an absolute requirement if we are to move forward as anything but a bankrupt and undesirable community.

What about his obvious alcohol problems with all of his drunken FB posts and other irresponsible behavior. I understand that he has a tough job to do, but does he have to be rude and call people names? No, unprofessional conduct is bad, no matter what.
I raise my children better than that, maybe he was brought up as a rich arrogant jerk that can always talk down to people.
I hope that he seeks help for his alcohol problems, AA is always open. As far as his behavior, maybe his mother should spank him or wash his mouth out with soap. This is what happens when people don't disciopline their children.

What about his obvious alcohol problems with all of his drunken FB posts and other irresponsible behavior. I understand that he has a tough job to do, but does he have to be rude and call people names? No, unprofessional conduct is bad, no matter what.
I raise my children better than that, maybe he was brought up as a rich arrogant jerk that can always talk down to people.
I hope that he seeks help for his alcohol problems, AA is always open. As far as his behavior, maybe his mother should spank him or wash his mouth out with soap. This is what happens when people don't disciopline their children.

What about his obvious alcohol problems with all of his drunken FB posts and other irresponsible behavior. I understand that he has a tough job to do, but does he have to be rude and call people names? No, unprofessional conduct is bad, no matter what.
I raise my children better than that, maybe he was brought up as a rich arrogant jerk that can always talk down to people.
I hope that he seeks help for his alcohol problems, AA is always open. As far as his behavior, maybe his mother should spank him or wash his mouth out with soap. This is what happens when people don't disciopline their children.

With your triple post....maybe you should check your impairment status....M'kay
Personally I find the only way to communicate with many folks in the Cov is to be as blunt as a sledgehammer. You can't use logic on illogical people.